INTRODUCTION TO ORDINARY LEVEL GEOLOGY (PART 1)

INTRODUCTION TO GEOLOGY

           

 Geology is defined as: “The study of the Earth”.

It involves the study of the earth’s origin, its composition, its evolution and changes it has undergone in the course of its evolution. 

The word Geology originated from two Greek words;

Geo meaning “Earth” and

Logia meaning “study of” 

Geology is different from Geography because Geography comes from Greek Geographia which means “describing the Earth”.  It is a field study of the lands, the features, the inhabitants, and the phenomena of Earth.

Geology uses ideas from other subjects such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics that are important in understanding the Earth and its interactions with the atmosphere, the biosphere, and the hydrosphere.  This makes geology to be referred to as a multidisciplinary science.

It is an exciting subject that involves a combination of indoor work (theoretical lessons in the classroom) and outdoor work (fieldwork).

Some Branches of Geology

            The study of the earth is wide and diverse and can be divided into 5 major divisions and many branches.

1.      Astrology or planetary geology:

It is the study of the universe and material like stars, comets, asteroids, planets including the earth etc.

2.      Petrology:

 It is the study of the material comprising the earth crust. This include branches like;

a)      Mineralogy and crystallography.

b)      Petrologies (Igneous, Metamorphic and Sedimentary).

3.      Physical Geology:

This division studies the physical processes and changes operating on the earth crust. Included here are:

a)      Structural geology

b)      Geomorphology

4.      Applied and economic geology:

It deals with the application of physical concepts to study and exploit natural resources for economic and human benefits. Included here are:

a)      Mining geology

b)      Petroleum geology

c)      Engineering geology

d)     Geochemistry

e)      Geophysics

f)       Environmental geology

g)      Hydrogeology etc.

5.      Historical Geology

It studies the evolution of the earth from its origin till present. Branches of historical geology are:

a)      Stratigraphy

b)      Palaeotomogy

c)      Palaeogeography.